KR20240051644A - Refrigerator - Google Patents

Abstract

The refrigerator of this embodiment includes a cabinet forming a storage compartment; a door that opens and closes the storage compartment; a tray provided in the door or storage compartment and including an ice-making cell that produces ice; a heater for supplying heat to the ice-making cell; and a control unit that controls the heater. During the ice-making process, the control unit controls the heating amount of the heater by dividing it into a plurality of stages, and controls the heating amount of the heater to be gradually reduced.

Description

Refrigerator

This specification relates to refrigerators.

In general, a refrigerator is a home appliance that allows food to be stored at low temperatures in an internal storage space shielded by a door.

The refrigerator can cool the inside of the storage space using cold air, thereby keeping the stored food in a refrigerated or frozen state.

The refrigerator is a side-by-side type refrigerator in which the freezer compartment and the refrigerator compartment are arranged on the left and right, a top-mount type refrigerator in which the freezer compartment is located above the refrigerator compartment, or a bottom freezer type refrigerator in which the refrigerator compartment is located above the freezer compartment. You can.

Typically, an ice maker for making ice is provided in the freezer compartment of a refrigerator. The ice maker collects water supplied from a water source or a water tank in a tray and then cools the water to create ice. Ice produced by the ice maker may be stored in an ice bin.

Ice stored in the ice bin is discharged through a dispenser provided in the door, or the user can open the freezer door, access the ice bin, and take out the ice from the ice bin.

Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2021-0026849, a prior document, includes a refrigerator.

The refrigerator of the prior literature may be equipped with a freezer compartment, a cooler for supplying cold air to the freezer compartment, and an ice maker provided in the freezer compartment.

The ice maker includes a first tray assembly forming a part of an ice-making cell, which is a space where water changes phase into ice by the cold. a second tray assembly forming another part of the ice making cell; a water supply unit for supplying water to the ice-making cell; a heater located adjacent to at least one of the first tray assembly and the second tray assembly; and a control unit that controls the heater.

In the case of the prior literature, the controller controls the heating amount of the heater to vary depending on the mass per unit height of water in the ice-making cell.

According to prior literature, the output of the heater may decrease from the initial output and then increase again.

However, as actual ice freezes, the ratio of ice to water changes and the saturation of bubbles inside the water increases. However, in the case of the prior literature, the output of the heater is determined only by considering the mass per unit height of water, so the unit height of ice There is a disadvantage that the variation in transparency increases.

Additionally, since the output of the heater decreases in the first half of the ice-making process and increases toward the latter half, there is a disadvantage in that the ice-making speed is slowed down by the heat of the heater, thereby increasing the ice-making time.

This embodiment provides a refrigerator in which variation in transparency depending on the height of the ice produced is minimized.

Alternatively or additionally, this embodiment provides a refrigerator in which ice making time can be reduced while increasing ice clarity.

Alternatively or additionally, this embodiment provides a refrigerator that can reduce heater power consumption while increasing ice transparency.

A refrigerator according to one aspect may include a cabinet having a storage compartment. The refrigerator may further include a door that opens and closes the storage compartment.

The refrigerator may further include a tray provided in the door or storage compartment and including an ice-making cell that generates ice.

The refrigerator includes a heater for supplying heat to the ice-making cell; And it may further include a control unit that controls the heater.

During the ice-making process, the controller may control the heating amount of the heater by dividing the ice into a plurality of stages. The controller may control the heating amount of the heater to be gradually reduced.

The decreasing slope of the heating amount of the heater may be maintained constant in some sections of the entire ice-making section.

The decreasing slope of the heating amount of the heater may be reduced in some sections of the entire ice-making section.

The reduction slope of the heating amount of the heater may increase in some sections of the entire ice-making section.

The slope of the decrease in the heating amount of the heater in the first half of ice making may be smaller than the slope of the decrease in the heating amount of the heater in the second half of ice making.

The heating amount of the heater in the last step among the plurality of steps may be more than 1/2 of the heating amount of the heater in the first step, which is the initial step among the plurality of steps.

It may further include an ice-making completion determination step that may be performed after the last step among the plurality of steps.

The heating amount of the heater in the ice making completion determination step may be the same as or smaller than the heating amount of the heater in the Majidak step.

The Majidak step may be terminated when performed for a certain period of time, or may be terminated when the amount of water in the ice-making cell falls below a standard amount before the predetermined period of time has elapsed.

If the amount of water in the ice-making cell falls below the standard amount while any one of the plurality of steps is being performed, the one step may be terminated and the ice-making completion determination step may be performed.

If the control unit determines that the temperature of the ice-making cell has reached the ice-making completion reference temperature, it may determine that ice-making is complete.

The plurality of steps may include a first step performed for a first reference time. The plurality of steps may further include a second step performed for a second reference time after the first step. The plurality of steps may further include a third step performed for a third reference time after the second step.

The third reference time may be greater than the first and second reference times.

The difference between the heating amount of the heater in the second step and the heating amount of the heater in the third step is the difference between the heating amount of the heater in the first step and the heating amount of the heater in the second step. It can be larger than the difference value.

A refrigerator according to another aspect includes a cabinet forming a storage compartment; a door that opens and closes the storage compartment; a tray provided in the door or storage compartment and including an ice-making cell that produces ice; a heater for supplying heat to the ice-making cell; And it may include a control unit that controls the heater.

The control unit can control the heating amount of the heater by dividing it into a plurality of stages.

The controller may cause the heater to operate at a first heating amount in a first step among a plurality of steps.

In the second step after the first step, the heater may be operated with a second heating amount that is greater than the first heating amount.

The heater can be controlled so that the heating amount of the heater decreases as steps after the second step are performed.

The time for performing the first step may be longer than the time for performing the second step.

The first step may be terminated when the volume or mass ratio of ice to the total volume or mass of the ice-making cell reaches a reference value.

The heating amount of the heater in the last step among the plurality of steps may be less than the heating amount of the heater in the first step.

The section in which the heating amount of the heater is reduced may include a section in which the slope of the decrease in the heating amount of the heater is maintained constant.

The section in which the heating amount of the heater decreases may include a section in which the slope of the decrease in the heating amount of the heater increases.

According to this embodiment, there is an advantage in that the variation in transparency depending on the height of the ice produced can be reduced by variably controlling the heating amount of the heater during the ice-making process.

In addition, transparency can be improved in the first half of ice making, and the ice making speed can be increased by reducing the heating amount of the transparent ice heater in the second half of ice making, thereby reducing the ice making time. There is an advantage that the daily ice making amount can be increased if the ice making time is reduced.

In addition, reducing the heating amount of the clear ice heater in the latter half of ice making has the advantage of lowering the power consumption of the clear ice heater while maintaining or improving transparency.

1 is a front view of a refrigerator according to this embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a view showing a state in which one door of the refrigerator of FIG. 1 is separated.
Figure 3 is a perspective view seen from the front of the first refrigerating chamber door according to this embodiment.
Figure 4 is a perspective view seen from the rear of the first refrigerating chamber door according to this embodiment.
Figure 5 is a side view of the first refrigerating compartment door according to this embodiment.
Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 in Figure 3.
Figure 7 is a diagram showing a cold air flow path in the first refrigerating chamber door of this embodiment.
Figure 8 is a perspective view of a second ice maker according to this embodiment.
Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 of Figure 8.
10 is a control block diagram of a refrigerator according to this embodiment.
Figure 11 is a flowchart for explaining the process of creating ice in the second ice maker according to this embodiment.
Figure 12 is a diagram showing a state in which water supply is completed at the water supply location.
Figure 13 is a diagram showing a state in which the second tray is moved to the ice making position.
Figure 14 is a diagram showing the first parabola, which is the output change line of the transparent ice heater according to this embodiment.
Figure 15 is a diagram showing the second parabola, which is the output change line of the transparent ice heater according to this embodiment.
Figure 16 is a diagram showing the final output line of the clear ice heater determined between the first parabola and the second parabola for controlling the clear ice heater.
Figure 17 is a diagram showing the output line of a transparent ice heater according to another embodiment.
Figure 18 is a diagram showing the output line of a transparent ice heater according to another embodiment.

Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail through illustrative drawings. When adding reference numerals to components in each drawing, it should be noted that identical components are given the same reference numerals as much as possible even if they are shown in different drawings. Additionally, in describing embodiments of the present invention, if detailed descriptions of related known configurations or functions are judged to impede understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, the detailed descriptions will be omitted.

Additionally, when describing the components of an embodiment of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used. These terms are only used to distinguish the component from other components, and the nature, order, or order of the component is not limited by the term. When a component is described as being "connected," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, that component may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but there is no need for another component between each component. It should be understood that may be “connected,” “combined,” or “connected.”

FIG. 1 is a front view of a refrigerator according to this embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a view showing one door of the refrigerator of FIG. 1 in a separated state.

Figure 3 is a perspective view viewed from the front of the first refrigerating compartment door according to this embodiment, and Figure 4 is a perspective view viewed from the rear of the first refrigerating compartment door according to this embodiment. Figure 5 is a side view of the first refrigerating compartment door according to this embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5 , the refrigerator 1 of this embodiment may include a cabinet 2 having a storage compartment. The refrigerator 1 may further include a refrigerator door that opens and closes the storage compartment.

The storage compartment may include a refrigerating compartment (18). The storage compartment may optionally or additionally include a freezer compartment (19).

For example, Figure 2 shows that the storage compartment includes a refrigerating compartment 18 and a freezing compartment 19.

The refrigerating compartment 18 can be opened and closed by one or more refrigerating compartment doors 5. The freezer compartment 19 can be opened and closed by one or more freezer doors 30.

Hereinafter, the refrigerating compartment 18 will be described as an example of being opened and closed by the first refrigerating compartment door 10 and the second refrigerating compartment door 20.

At least one of the first refrigerating compartment door 10 and the second refrigerating compartment door 20 may include a dispenser 11 for dispensing water and/or ice. Of course, depending on the type of refrigerator, the freezer door 30 may be equipped with the dispenser 11.

At least one of the first refrigerating compartment door 10 and the second refrigerating compartment door 20 may include one or more ice makers.

Hereinafter, an example in which an ice maker is provided in the first refrigerating compartment door 10 will be described. Of course, if necessary, an ice maker may be provided in the second refrigerating compartment door 20 or the freezing compartment door 30. At this time, the dispenser 11 and the ice maker may be installed in the same door.

Hereinafter, it will be described as an example that the first refrigerating compartment door 20 includes a plurality of ice makers. It is not limited to this, and the second refrigerating compartment door 20 may also include a plurality of ice makers.

2 exemplarily shows that the refrigerator 1 is a bottom freezer type refrigerator, but unlike this, it is revealed that the idea of the present invention can be equally applied to a side-by-side type refrigerator or a top-mount type refrigerator. put it

In the case of a side-by-side type or top-mount type refrigerator, the freezer compartment door may include a plurality of ice makers or the refrigerator compartment door may include a plurality of ice makers.

The dispenser 11 is located in the front of the first refrigerating compartment door 10, and a portion of the dispenser 11 may be recessed toward the rear to provide a space in which a container can be placed.

The plurality of ice makers may be arranged in a vertical direction. For example, the plurality of ice makers may include a first ice maker 200. The plurality of ice makers may further include a second ice maker 500.

The second ice maker 500 may be located below the first ice maker 200. Of course, this embodiment does not exclude that a plurality of ice makers 200 and 500 are arranged in the left and right directions.

The dispenser 11 may discharge at least ice produced in the first ice maker 200. To this end, the first ice maker 200 may be positioned higher than the dispenser 11.

If the dispenser 11 is capable of discharging ice produced by the second ice maker 500, the second ice maker 500 may also be positioned higher than the dispenser 11. Alternatively, even if the second ice maker 500 is located at the same level or lower than the dispenser 11, ice produced in the second ice maker 500 may be transferred to the dispenser 11 by a separate transfer mechanism.

As another example, the dispenser 11 may include a first dispenser through which ice produced by the first ice maker 200 is discharged, and a second dispenser through which ice produced by the second ice maker 500 is discharged. do.

The second ice maker 500 may be located behind the dispenser 11.

The first refrigerating compartment door 10 may include an outer case 101 to form a front exterior. The first refrigerating compartment door 10 may further include a door liner 102 coupled to the outer case 101. The door liner 102 can open and close the refrigerating compartment 18.

When the outer case 101 and the door liner 102 are coupled, an insulating space may be formed in the space between the outer case 101 and the door liner 102. An insulating material may be provided in the insulating space.

The door liner 102 may include a first space 122 in which the first ice maker 200 is located. The first space 122 may also be referred to as a first ice-making room. The door liner 102 may further include a second space 124 in which the second ice maker 500 is located. The second space 124 may also be referred to as a second ice-making room.

In this embodiment, the second ice maker 500 may be omitted, and even in this case, the second space 124 may exist. At this time, the second space 124 may function as a door storage room used for a specific purpose.

Alternatively, in this embodiment, the position of the second ice maker 500 may be changed. Depending on the type of refrigerator, the second ice maker 500 may be located in the storage space. In this case, the second space 124 may exist or the second space 124 may be omitted.

Alternatively, the first ice maker 200 may be omitted. Alternatively, it is also possible for the second ice maker 500 to be located in the first space 122.

The first space 122 may be formed as one surface of the door liner 102 is depressed toward the outer case 101. The second space 124 may be formed as one surface of the door liner 102 is depressed toward the outer case 101. For example, the second space 124 may be depressed toward the dispenser 11.

The first refrigerating compartment door 10 may include a first ice bin 280 in which ice generated by the first ice maker 200 is stored. The first refrigerating compartment door 10 may further include a second ice bin 600 in which ice generated by the second ice maker 500 is stored. Of course, if the second ice maker 500 is omitted, the second ice bin 600 may also be omitted.

The first ice bin 280 may be accommodated in the first space 122 together with the first ice maker 200. The second ice bin 600 may be accommodated in the second space 124 together with the second ice maker 500.

Cold generated in a cooler may be supplied to the first space 122. The cooler may be defined as a means for cooling the storage compartment, including at least one of a refrigerant cycle and a thermoelectric element. For example, cold air for cooling the freezer compartment 19 may be supplied to the first space 122.

Cold generated in a cooler may be supplied to the second space 124. For example, cold air for cooling the freezer compartment 19 may be supplied to the second space 124.

The refrigerator 1 has a supply passage 2a that guides the cold air of the freezer compartment 19 or the cold air of the space where the evaporator that generates cold air for cooling the freezer compartment 19 is located to the first refrigerator compartment door 10. may include. The refrigerator 1 may include a discharge passage 2b that guides cold air discharged from the first refrigerator compartment door 10 to the freezer compartment 19 or a space where the evaporator is located. The supply flow path (2a) and the discharge flow path (2b) may be provided in the cabinet (2).

The first refrigerating compartment door 10 may include a cold air inlet 123a. When the first refrigerating compartment door 10 is closed, the cold air inlet 123a may communicate with the supply passage 2a.

The first refrigerating compartment door 10 may further include a cold air outlet 123b. When the first refrigerating compartment door 10 is closed, the cold air outlet 123b may communicate with the discharge passage 2b.

The cold air inlet 123a may be formed on one side of the door liner 102. Although not limiting, one side of the door liner 102 faces the wall where the supply passage 2a is located in the refrigerating compartment 18 when the first refrigerating compartment door 10 is closed.

For example, the cold air inlet 123a may be arranged to overlap the second space 124 in the horizontal direction.

The cold air outlet 123b may be formed on one side of the door liner 102. Although not limiting, one side of the door liner 102 faces the wall where the discharge passage 2b is located in the refrigerating compartment 18 when the first refrigerating compartment door 10 is closed.

For example, the cold air outlet 123b may be arranged to overlap the second space 124 in the horizontal direction.

The form of ice produced by the first ice maker 200 may be the same as or different from that of the ice produced by the second ice maker 200. For example, the second ice maker 200 can form ice in a spherical shape.

As used herein, “spherical shape” means not only a spherical shape but also a shape similar to a spherical shape geometrically.

The transparency of the ice produced by the first ice maker 200 may be the same as or different from the transparency of the ice produced by the second ice maker 500. For example, the transparency of ice produced by the second ice maker 500 may be higher than that of ice produced by the first ice maker 200.

The size (or volume) of ice produced in the first ice maker 200 and the size (or volume) of ice produced in the second ice maker 500 may be different. For example, the size (or volume) of ice produced in the second ice maker 500 may be larger than the size (or volume) of ice produced in the first ice maker 200.

The structure of the first ice maker 200 for producing ice and the method in which the ice is separated are the same as the structure of the second ice maker 500 and the method in which the ice produced in the second ice maker 500 is separated. can be different.

When the structures and/or moving methods of the ice makers are different, the shape of the first space 122 where the first ice maker 200 is located is determined by the shape of the second space 124 where the second ice maker 500 is located. The form may be different.

For example, the depth of the second space 124 may be deeper than the depth of the first space 122.

Due to the difference in depth between the first and second spaces 122 and 124, the one side of the door liner 102 may include a first side portion 102a and a second side portion 102b having different widths in the front-back direction. You can.

The width of the second side portion 102b may be larger than the width of the first side portion 102a. Due to the difference in width between the first side portion 102a and the second side portion 102b, the thickness of the first refrigerating compartment door 10 in the front-back direction at the portion where the first ice maker 200 is located is greater than the thickness of the second ice maker 200. The thickness of the first refrigerating compartment door 10 in the front-back direction at the portion where 500 is located may be thick.

One or more of the cold air inlet 123a and the cold air outlet 123b may be formed on the second side portion 102b of the door liner 102.

The second side portion 102b may protrude further toward the refrigerating compartment 18 than the first side portion 102a.

The first refrigerating compartment door 10 may further include a first door 130 (or first space door) that opens and closes the first space 122. The first door 130 may be an insulated door provided with an insulating material inside.

The first refrigerating compartment door 10 may further include a second door 132 (or a second space door) that opens and closes the second space 124. The second door 130 may be an insulated door provided with an insulating material inside. Even if the second ice maker 500 is omitted, the second door 132 may exist.

Accordingly, heat transfer between the refrigerating compartment 18 and the first and second spaces 122 and 124 can be minimized by the first and second doors 130 and 132.

The first door 130 may be rotatably provided on the first refrigerating compartment door 10 by a hinge.

The second door 132 may be rotatably provided on the first refrigerating compartment door 10 by a hinge. The rotation direction of the first door 130 and the rotation direction of the second door 132 may be the same or different.

Meanwhile, a basket 136 capable of storing food may be connected to the first door 130 by varying the thickness of the first refrigerating compartment door 10.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4 , when the basket 136 is installed in the first door 130, at least a portion of the basket 136 may overlap the second space 124 in the vertical direction. .

When the basket 136 is installed on the first door 130, at least a portion of the basket 136 may overlap the second ice maker 500 in the vertical direction.

When the basket 136 is installed in the first door 130 and the second door 132 is closed, at least a portion of the basket 136 is in a vertical direction with the second ice bin 600. May overlap.

When the basket 136 is installed in the first door 130 and the second door 132 is closed, at least a portion of the basket 136 overlaps the second door 132 in the vertical direction. It can be.

Meanwhile, a filter (not shown) may be mounted on one side 103 of the first refrigerating compartment door 10, and the filter may be covered by a filter cover 142.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 3, and FIG. 7 is a view showing the cold air flow path in the first refrigerating compartment door of this embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7 , the first refrigerating compartment door 10 may further include a cold air passage for cold air flow. The flow path may be formed by a cold air duct, not shown. The cold air duct may be installed in the door liner 102, for example.

The cold air flow path may guide cold air to one or more of the first space 122 and the second space 124.

The cold air flow path may include a first cold air flow path (P1).

The first cold air passage P1 may guide cold air supplied from the cabinet 2 to the first space 122.

At least a portion of the first cold air passage P1 may extend in the vertical direction. Cold air may rise in the first cold air passage P1 and be supplied to the upper part of the first space 122. For example, cold air guided by the first cold air passage P1 may flow toward the first ice maker 200.

The cold air flow path may further include a second cold air flow path (P2).

The second cold air flow path P2 may guide cold air in the first space 122 to the second space 124.

Cold air in the lower part of the first space 122 may be discharged into the second cold air flow path (P2). At least a portion of the second cold air passage P2 may extend in the vertical direction.

Cold air may descend from the second cold air flow path (P2) and be supplied to the second space 124. For example, cold air guided by the second cold air passage P2 may flow toward the second ice maker 500.

The cold air flow path may further include a third cold air flow path (P3).

The third cold air passage P3 may guide cold air in the second space 124 to the outside of the first refrigerating compartment door 10 .

Cold air in the lower part of the second space 124 may flow through the third cold air passage P3. At least a portion of the third cold air passage P3 may extend in the horizontal direction.

Meanwhile, the first ice maker 200 may include an ice tray 210 forming an ice-making cell.

The first ice maker 200 may further include a driving unit that provides power to automatically rotate the ice tray 210 to separate ice from the ice tray 210. The first ice maker 200 may further include a power transmission unit that transmits power from the driving unit to the ice tray 210.

The ice tray 210 may include a plurality of ice-making cells. Water discharged from a water supply unit (not shown) and dropped into the ice tray 210 may be distributed to the plurality of ice-making cells.

When ice production in the ice tray 210 is completed, the ice may be separated from the ice tray 210 as the ice tray 210 is rotated (twisted) by the driving unit. Ice separated from the ice tray 210 may be stored in the first ice bin 280.

The second ice maker 500 may include a first tray 510. The second ice maker 500 may further include the second tray 550. The first tray 510 and the second tray 550 may form an ice-making cell 501. The second tray 550 may be moved relative to the first tray 510 . For example, the second tray 550 may be rotated relative to the first tray 510, may move linearly relative to the first tray 510, or may perform linear and rotational movements.

When the second tray 550 is a rotating type, water supply may be performed at the water supply location of the second tray 550. After completion of water supply, the second tray 550 may be rotated to the ice-making position. When the second tray 550 is a linear movement type, water supply may be performed at the ice-making position of the second tray 550.

At least a portion of the second tray 550 may be spaced apart from at least a portion of the first tray 510 at the water supply position. The portion of the second tray 550 spaced apart from the first tray 510 at the water supply position may contact the first tray 510 at the ice making position to complete the ice making cell 501.

The dispenser 11 may include a dispenser housing 11a. The dispenser housing 11a may form a receiving space. A container such as a cup may be placed in the receiving space. Water or ice may be discharged into the receiving space.

At least a portion of the dispenser housing 11a may be arranged to overlap the second space 124 in the front-back direction.

The shortest horizontal distance between the front of the first refrigerating compartment door 10 and the second space 124 is greater than the shortest horizontal distance between the front of the first refrigerating compartment door 10 and the first space 122 by the dispenser housing 11a. The horizontal distance is large.

The vertical length of the first space 122 may be longer than the vertical length of the second space 124. At least a portion of the second space 124 may overlap the first space 122 in the vertical direction.

The ice making cell 501 of the second ice maker 500 may overlap the dispenser housing 11a in the front-back direction.

An ice chute 700 may be placed below the first space 122. The ice chute 700 can be opened and closed by the cap duct 900.

An ice guide 800 may be located below the ice chute 700.

The ice chute 700 may guide ice discharged from the first ice bin 280 to the ice guide 800.

The ice guide 800 guides the ice and allows the ice to be finally discharged.

The ice chute 700 may overlap at least a portion of the first space 122 in the vertical direction. At least a portion of the ice chute 700 may overlap the second space 124 in the vertical direction.

A water tank 340 may be detachably mounted on the first refrigerating compartment door 10. At least a portion of the ice chute 700 may overlap the water tank 340 in the vertical direction. At least a portion of the water tank 340 may overlap the ice-making cell 501 in the vertical direction. At least a portion of the water tank 340 may overlap the second ice bin 600 in the vertical direction.

At least a portion of the water tank 340 may overlap the basket 136 in the vertical direction. Of course, the position of the water tank 340 in this embodiment is not limited, and it should be noted that it can be placed in various positions as long as the thickness of the first refrigerating compartment door 10 is not increased or the increase in thickness is minimized.

The ice guide 800 may overlap at least a portion of the second space 124 in the horizontal direction.

In this embodiment, the reason that the second space 124 can be arranged at the rear of the dispenser housing 11a may be due to the slimmer of the dispenser housing 11a. In order to slim the dispenser housing 11a, the shape of the ice guide 800, which forms part of the ice passage, may be important. The structure of the ice guide 800 will be described later with reference to the drawings.

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the second ice maker according to this embodiment, and Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 of Figure 8.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9 , the second ice maker 500 may include a first tray assembly and a second tray assembly.

The first tray assembly may include a first tray 510, a first tray case, or the first tray 510 and a first tray case. The second tray assembly may include a second tray 550, a second tray case, or the second tray 550 and a second tray case.

The second ice maker 500 may include a bracket 520. The bracket 520 may be a component of the first tray assembly. The bracket 520 may be a component of the first tray case. For example, the bracket 520 may be installed on a wall forming the second space.

The second ice maker 500 may include an ice-making cell 501, which is a space where water is phase-changed into ice by cold (for example, cold air).

In this embodiment, the first tray 510 and the second tray 550 may be arranged in a vertical direction while forming the ice-making cell 501. Accordingly, the first tray 510 may be referred to as an upper tray. The second tray 550 may be referred to as a lower tray.

A plurality of ice-making cells 501 may be defined by the first tray 510 and the second tray 550. Hereinafter, the formation of three ice-making cells 501 will be described as an example.

When water is cooled by cold air while water is supplied to the ice-making cell 501, ice of the same or similar form as that of the ice-making cell 501 may be generated. In this embodiment, for example, the ice-making cell 501 may be formed in a spherical shape or a shape similar to a spherical shape. Of course, the ice-making cell 501 may also be formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape or a polygonal shape.

The first tray case may include the bracket 520, for example. The first tray case may further include a first supporter 530.

At least a portion of the first supporter 530 may be located below the first tray 510 .

The second ice maker 500 may further include a first pusher 540 for separating ice during the ice moving process. The first pusher 540 can receive power from the driving unit 580, which will be described later.

The first supporter 530 may support the first tray 510. The first supporter 530 may guide the movement of the first pusher 540.

The first pusher 540 may be coupled to the pusher link 548. At this time, the first pusher 540 may be rotatably coupled to the pusher link 548. Accordingly, when the pusher link 548 moves, the first pusher 540 may also be moved by being guided by the first supporter 530.

For example, the second tray case may include a second tray cover 560. The second tray case may further include a second supporter 570.

For example, at least a portion of the second tray cover 560 may be located above the second tray 550 . At least a portion of the second supporter 570 may be located below the second tray 550.

The second supporter 570 may support the second tray 550 from the lower side of the second tray 550 .

An elastic member 547 may be connected to one side of the second supporter 570. The elastic member 547 may provide elastic force to the second supporter 570 to maintain the second tray 550 in contact with the first tray 510 .

The second ice maker 500 may further include a driving unit 580 that provides driving force. The second tray 550 may move relative to the first tray 510 by receiving the driving force of the driving unit 580. The first pusher 540 may move by receiving the driving force of the driving force 580. A connecting arm 549 may be coupled to the driving unit 580. The connection arm 549 is connected to the second supporter 570 and can transmit the power of the driving unit 580 to the second supporter 570.

The driving unit 580 may include a motor and a plurality of gears. A full ice detection lever may be connected to the driving unit 580. The full ice detection lever may also be rotated by the rotational force provided by the driving unit 580.

The driving unit 580 may further include a cam that rotates by receiving rotational power from the motor. The second ice maker 500 may further include a sensor that detects rotation of the cam. For example, the cam may be equipped with a magnet, and the sensor may be a Hall sensor for detecting the magnetism of the magnet during rotation of the cam. Depending on whether the sensor detects a magnet, the sensor may output different outputs, a first signal and a second signal. One of the first signal and the second signal may be a high signal, and the other may be a low signal. The control unit, which will be described later, can determine the location of the second tray 550 (or the second tray assembly) based on the type and pattern of the signal output from the sensor. That is, since the second tray 550 and the cam are rotated by the motor, the position of the second tray 550 can be indirectly determined based on the detection signal of the magnet provided on the cam. For example, based on the signal output from the sensor, the water supply location, ice-making location, and ice-making location, which will be described later, can be distinguished and determined.

The second ice maker 500 may further include a second pusher 590. The second pusher 590 may be installed on the bracket 520, for example.

The second ice maker 500 may include a heater 503 for moving ice. The moving heater 503 can supply heat to the ice making cell 501 at least during the moving process. The moving heater 503 may be called a first heater. However, if ice can be smoothly separated by the first pusher 540, the moving heater 503 may be omitted. The moving heater 503 may be arranged to surround the vertical center line C1 of the ice-making cell 501.

The moving heater 503 may be installed on the bracket 520, for example. The moving heater 503 may contact the first tray 510.

The second ice maker 500 may further include a transparent ice heater 505. The transparent ice heater 505 can supply heat to the ice-making cell 501 at least during the ice-making process. For example, the transparent ice heater 505 may contact the second tray 550. The transparent ice heater 505 may be called a second heater. The transparent ice heater 505 may be arranged to surround the vertical center line C1 of the ice making cell 501.

The second pusher 590 can push ice located in the ice-making cell 501.

FIG. 10 is a control block diagram of a refrigerator according to this embodiment, and FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the process of creating ice in the second ice maker according to this embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a state in which water supply has been completed at the water supply position, and FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state in which the second tray has been moved to the ice making position.

Figure 14 is a diagram showing the first parabola, which is the output change line of the transparent ice heater according to this embodiment.

Figure 14 shows a graph of output change of a transparent ice heater to maintain the temperature of the lowest part of the ice-making cell at the first reference temperature while considering the direction of ice generation.

Referring to FIGS. 10 to 14 , the refrigerator of this embodiment may further include a cold air supply means 1020 (or cooling unit) for supplying cold air. The cold air supply means 1020 may supply cold air to the second space 124 using a refrigerant cycle, for example.

The cold air supply means 1020 may include, for example, a compressor to compress the refrigerant. The temperature of cold air supplied to the second space 124 may vary depending on the output (or frequency) of the compressor.

Alternatively, the cold air supply means 1020 may include a fan for blowing air to the evaporator. The amount of cold air supplied to the second space 124 may vary depending on the output (or rotation speed) of the fan.

Alternatively, the cold air supply means 1020 may include a refrigerant valve that adjusts the amount of refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant cycle.

The amount of refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant cycle is varied by adjusting the opening degree of the refrigerant valve, and accordingly, the temperature of the cold air supplied to the second space 124 may vary.

In this embodiment, the cold air supply means 1020 may include one or more of the compressor, fan, and refrigerant valve.

The refrigerator of this embodiment may further include a control unit 1000 that controls the cold air supply means 1020.

The refrigerator may further include a flow sensor 1002 to detect the amount of water supplied through the water supply unit 546. The refrigerator may further include a water supply valve 1004 that controls the amount of water supplied.

The flow sensor 1002 may include an impeller equipped with a magnet, a Hall sensor that detects the magnetism of the magnet during rotation of the impeller, and a housing in which the impeller is accommodated. In the process of rotating the impeller, the Hall sensor may detect the magnetism of the magnet or if the Hall sensor and the magnet are aligned, the Hall sensor may output a first signal. When the Hall sensor does not detect the magnetism of the magnet or the magnet is separated from the Hall sensor by a predetermined distance, a second signal is output from the Hall sensor.

Since the first signal (pulse) is output repeatedly, the water supply amount can be confirmed by counting the number of the first signal.

The control unit 1000 may control the water supply valve 1004 using the counted number of first signals.

The control unit 1000 may control some or all of the moving heater 503, the transparent ice heater 505, the driving unit 580, the cold air supply means 1020, and the water supply valve 1004. .

The refrigerator may further include an ice-making room temperature sensor 1005 for detecting the temperature of the second space 124.

The control unit 1000 may include a sensor (tray temperature sensor) 410 mounted on the first tray 510.

The control unit 1000 may determine whether ice making is complete based on the temperature detected by the sensor 410.

Hereinafter, the process of creating ice in the second ice maker will be described. As long as the heater control technology in the second ice maker mentioned in this embodiment is applied, structural changes to the second ice maker are possible, and the same heater control technology can be applied even if the structure is changed in various forms.

To produce ice in the second ice maker 500, the control unit 1000 moves the second tray 550 to the water supply position (S11).

In this specification, the direction of movement from the water supply position in FIG. 12 to the ice making position in FIG. 13 may be referred to as reverse movement (or reverse rotation). The direction of moving from the position in FIG. 13 to the position in FIG. 12 can be referred to as forward movement (or forward rotation).

The movement of the water supply position of the second tray 550 is detected by a sensor (not shown), and when it is detected that the second tray 550 has been moved to the water supply position, the control unit 1000 operates the driver 580. It can be stopped.

With the second tray 550 moved to the water supply position, the control unit 1000 may determine whether the temperature detected by the sensor 410 has reached a temperature below the water supply start temperature.

If it is determined that the temperature detected by the sensor 410 has reached a temperature lower than the initial water supply start temperature, the control unit 1000 may control the water supply valve 1004 to perform water supply (S2).

Alternatively, water supply may be performed immediately when the second tray 550 is moved to the water supply position.

When water supply is completed, the second tray 550 can be moved to the ice-making position (S3).

Ice making may begin with the second tray 550 moved to the ice making position (S4). For example, ice making may begin when the second tray 550 reaches the ice making position. Alternatively, ice making may begin when the second tray 550 reaches the ice making position and a predetermined time elapses after water supply is completed.

When ice making starts, the control unit 1000 may control the cold air supply means 1020 to supply cold air to the ice making cell 501. Of course, it is also possible that water supply is completed and ice making starts while cold air is being supplied to the ice making cell 501 by the cold air supply means 1020.

The control unit 1000 may determine whether the on condition of the transparent ice heater 505 is satisfied (S5).

If it is determined that the on condition of the clear ice heater 505 is satisfied, the control unit 1000 controls the clear ice in at least a portion of the section while the cold air supply means 1020 is supplying cold air to the ice making cell 501. The heater 505 can be controlled to turn on (S6).

When the transparent ice heater 505 is turned on, the heat of the transparent ice heater 505 is transferred to the ice-making cell 501, so the speed of ice production in the ice-making cell 501 may be delayed.

As in the present embodiment, the ice generation speed is adjusted so that the bubbles dissolved in the water inside the ice-making cell 501 can move from the part where ice is generated to the liquid water by the heat of the transparent ice heater 505. By delaying this, transparent ice can be produced in the second ice maker 500.

When the clear ice heater 505 is turned on, heat from the clear ice heater 505 is transferred into the ice making cell 501.

As in this embodiment, when the second tray 550 is located below the first tray 510 and the transparent ice heater 505 is arranged to supply heat to the second tray 550 Ice may begin to be generated from the upper side of the ice-making cell 501.

In this embodiment, since ice is generated from the top within the ice-making cell 501, air bubbles move downward toward the liquid water in the portion of the ice-making cell 501 where ice is generated.

Since the density of water is greater than the density of ice, water or air bubbles can convect within the ice-making cell 501 and the air bubbles can move toward the transparent ice heater 505.

As the ice grows, the ratio of water and ice changes within the ice-making cell 501 and the bubble saturation increases. Therefore, the control unit 1000 reduces the difference in transparency of the generated ice according to height during the ice-making process. The heating amount of the transparent ice heater 505 can be varied.

Variation of the heating amount of the transparent ice heater 505 may mean varying the output of the transparent ice heater 505 or varying the duty of the transparent ice heater 505.

At this time, the duty of the clear ice heater 505 means the ratio of the on time to the on time and off time of the clear ice heater 505 in one cycle, or the on time of the clear ice heater 505 in one cycle. It may mean the ratio of off time to on time and off time.

Hereinafter, varying the output of the transparent ice heater 505 will be described as an example.

An increase in the output of the transparent ice heater 505 described below can be interpreted as an increase in the duty of the transparent ice heater 505. As explained below, a decrease in the output of the transparent ice heater 505 may result in a decrease in the duty of the transparent ice heater 505.

Control of the transparent ice heater 505 for generating transparent ice may be divided into multiple steps.

In Figure 14, it is shown that the transparent ice heater 505 is controlled in seven steps as an example. Each of the plurality of steps may be performed for a certain amount of time.

In Figure 14, the output change graph of the transparent ice heater 505 takes into account the volume ratio of ice and water in the ice-making cell, and the temperature of the lowest part in the ice-making cell is the first reference temperature or the reference temperature including the first reference temperature. This is a graph connecting the output of each stage of the clear ice heater determined to maintain within the range. The output change graph in FIG. 14 may be referred to as the first parabola (or first output line or first heating amount line).

In Figure 14, the first reference temperature may be 4 degrees above zero, for example. Since water has the highest density at 4 degrees above zero, the flow of water within the ice-making cell can be minimized, and the spread of air bubbles within the water can be minimized. Therefore, the transparency of the ice may increase as the ice grows from the top to the bottom.

The lowest end within the ice-making cell may be an area that substantially includes a portion in contact with the transparent ice heater 505.

In order to generate ice with increased transparency, the output of the transparent ice heater 505 can be controlled to output the first parabola.

In the first step, the transparent ice heater 505 may operate with a first output (WH1). The first output WH1 is the initial output of the transparent ice heater 505.

In the second step, the transparent ice heater 505 may operate with a second output (WH2). The second output (WH2) may be smaller than the first output (WH1).

In the third step, the transparent ice heater 505 may operate with the third output WH3. The third output (WH3) may be smaller than the second output (WH2).

The difference between the first output (WH1) and the second output (WH2) may be greater than the difference between the second output (WH2) and the third output (WH3).

Although not limited, the third output (WH3) may be the minimum output.

The output of the transparent ice heater 505 may be gradually reduced from the initial output to the minimum output. At this time, the output reduction slope of the transparent ice heater 505 may be reduced.

In the fourth step, the transparent ice heater 505 may operate with the fourth output WH4. The fourth output (WH4) may be greater than the third output (WH3).

In the fifth step, the transparent ice heater 505 may operate at the fifth output WH5. The fifth output (WH5) may be greater than the fourth output (WH4).

The difference between the fifth output (WH5) and the fourth output (WH4) may be greater than the difference between the fourth output (WH2) and the third output (WH3).

In the sixth step, the transparent ice heater 505 may operate with the sixth output WH6. The sixth output (WH6) may be greater than the fifth output (WH5). The sixth output (WH6) may be greater than the first output (WH1).

The difference between the sixth output (WH6) and the fifth output (WH5) may be greater than the difference between the fifth output (WH5) and the fourth output (WH4).

In the seventh step, the transparent ice heater 505 may operate at the seventh output WH7. The seventh output (WH6) may be greater than the sixth output (WH5).

The difference between the seventh output (WH7) and the sixth output (WH6) may be greater than the difference between the sixth output (WH6) and the fifth output (WH5).

The output of the transparent ice heater 505 may be reduced to the minimum output and then increased step by step. At this time, the output reduction slope of the transparent ice heater 505 may be increased.

The slope of the output increase of the transparent ice heater 505 may be greater than the slope of the output decrease of the transparent ice heater 505.

The number of stages in which the output of the transparent ice heater 505 is increased may be greater than the number of stages in which the output of the transparent ice heater 505 is reduced.

To summarize the first parabola, the first parabola is a line representing the output of the transparent ice heater to maintain the first reference temperature, which is the temperature of the video, of the water temperature at the lowest part of the ice-making cell.

The first parabola may include an output falling section and an output rising section.

The slope of the output change in the output rising section may be greater than the slope of the output change in the output falling section.

From the perspective of ice transparency, it is okay to operate the output of the transparent ice heater 505 at a higher output than the output on the first parabola at each stage of the ice-making process, but in this case, there is a disadvantage of delaying the ice-making time, This may cause unnecessary power consumption of the transparent ice heater.

Therefore, from the perspective of increasing the ice making speed, the clear ice heater can be controlled to follow the output change graph of the clear ice heater in FIG. 15, which will be described later.

Figure 15 is a diagram showing the second parabola, which is the output change line of the transparent ice heater according to this embodiment.

Figure 15 shows a graph of the output change of the transparent ice heater to ensure that the ice making speed in the ice making cell satisfies the reference speed while considering the direction of ice generation.

Referring to FIG. 15, the reference speed may be 5 mm/hour, for example.

Control of the transparent ice heater 505 for generating transparent ice may be divided into multiple steps.

In Figure 15, it is shown that the transparent ice heater 505 is controlled in seven steps as an example. Each of the plurality of steps may be performed for a certain amount of time.

The output change graph in FIG. 15 shows the output for each stage of the transparent ice heater determined to ensure that the ice making speed is maintained within the reference speed or a reference speed range including the reference speed, considering the volume ratio of ice and water in the ice making cell. It is a connected graph. The output change graph in FIG. 15 may be referred to as a second parabola (or a second output line or a second heating amount line).

When the transparent ice heater is controlled by following the second parabola, the average temperature of water for each unit area where ice is generated within the ice-making cell may be maintained within the second reference temperature or a temperature range including the second reference temperature. At this time, the second reference temperature may be 0 degrees.

The average temperature of the water in each stage area must be maintained at 0 degrees or zero degrees for ice to be created sequentially from the top to the bottom of the ice-making cell.

In order to increase the ice making speed, the output of the transparent ice heater 505 can be controlled to follow the second parabola.

In the first step, the transparent ice heater 505 may operate with the first output (WL1). The first output (WL1) is the initial output of the transparent ice heater (505).

In the second stage, the transparent ice heater 505 may operate with a second output (WL2). The second output (WL2) may be smaller than the first output (WL1).

In the third step, the transparent ice heater 505 may operate with the third output (WL3). The third output (WL3) may be smaller than the second output (WL2).

The difference between the first output (WL1) and the second output (WL2) may be greater than the difference between the second output (WL2) and the third output (WL3).

In the fourth step, the transparent ice heater 505 may operate with the fourth output WL4. The fourth output (WL4) may be smaller than the third output (WL3).

The difference between the second output WL2 and the third output WL3 may be greater than the difference between the third output WL3 and the fourth output WL4.

In the fifth step, the transparent ice heater 505 may operate at the fifth output WL5. The fifth output (WL5) may be smaller than the fourth output (WL4).

The difference between the third output (WL3) and the fourth output (WH4) may be greater than the difference between the fourth output (WH4) and the fifth output (WH5).

In the sixth step, the transparent ice heater 505 may operate at the sixth output (WL6). The sixth output (WL6) may be smaller than the fifth output (WL5).

The difference between the fourth output (WL4) and the fifth output (WL5) may be equal to or greater than the difference between the fifth output (WL5) and the sixth output (WL6).

In the seventh step, the transparent ice heater 50F may operate at the seventh output WL7. The seventh output (WL7) may be smaller than the sixth output (WL6).

The difference between the fifth output (WL5) and the sixth output (WL6) may be greater than the difference between the sixth output (WL6) and the seventh output (WL7).

The output of the transparent ice heater 505 may be gradually reduced from the initial output. Accordingly, the first output WL1 may be the maximum output.

At this time, the output reduction slope of the transparent ice heater 505 may be reduced.

Alternatively, the output reduction slope of the transparent ice heater 505 may be reduced or maintained and then reduced again.

To summarize the second parabola, the second parabola is a line representing the output of the transparent ice heater for maintaining the water temperature in each unit area in the ice-making cell at the second reference temperature.

The second parabola may include an output decline section.

In the output falling section, the slope of the output change may be gradually reduced. Alternatively, in the output falling section, the output change slope may decrease, remain maintained, and then decrease again.

From the viewpoint of ice making speed, it is okay to operate the output of the transparent ice heater 505 at an output smaller than the output on the second parabola at each stage of the ice making process, but in this case, there is a disadvantage in that transparency is reduced.

Therefore, control of a transparent ice heater that can improve transparency while increasing the ice-making speed can be considered.

For example, the output of the transparent ice heater 505 may be determined as the output of the area between the first parabola and the second parabola. That is, the transparent ice heater 505 can be controlled to follow the final output line (or final heating amount line) between the first parabola and the second parabola.

Figure 16 is a diagram showing the final output line of the clear ice heater determined between the first parabola and the second parabola for controlling the clear ice heater.

In FIG. 16, the final output line may mean a line connecting the final output of the transparent ice heater determined between the first parabola and the second parabola.

The relationship between the first parabola and the second parabola will be explained.

The difference between the output at each step on the first parabola and the output at each step on the second parabola may increase as ice making progresses.

The output at each stage on the final output line can be determined by (output on the first parabola x weight a) + (output on the second parabola x weight b).

The sum of the weight a and the weight b is 1.

The weight a and weight b for each stage may be variable.

At this time, the weight a may be the ratio of the volume (or mass) of water to the total volume (or mass) of the ice-making cell. Alternatively, the weight a may be a predetermined value.

The weight b may be a ratio of the volume (or mass) of ice to the total volume (or mass) of the ice-making cell. Alternatively, the weight b may be a predetermined value.

Control of the transparent ice heater 505 to generate ice considering transparency and ice-making speed may be divided into multiple steps.

In Figure 17, it is shown that the transparent ice heater 505 is controlled in eight steps as an example. Each of the plurality of steps may be performed for a certain amount of time. That is, if one step is performed for a certain period of time, the next step can be performed.

The output of the transparent ice heater 505 can be controlled to follow the final output line.

In the first step, the transparent ice heater 505 may operate with a first output (WF1). The first output (WF1) is the initial output of the transparent ice heater (505).

In the first step, the weight a may be greater than the weight b.

Since the proportion of water is 100% in the initial stage of ice making, the first output WF1 in the first step may be equal to the first output WH1 on the first parabola.

Of course, it is also possible that the first output (WF1) is smaller than the first output (WH1) on the first parabola.

In the second step, the transparent ice heater 505 may operate with a second output (WF2). The second output (WF2) may be smaller than the first output (WF1).

In the second step, the weight a may be greater than the weight b.

In the third step, the transparent ice heater 505 may operate with the third output (WF3). The third output (WF3) may be smaller than the second output (WF2).

The difference value between the first output (WF1) and the second output (WF2) may be the same as or different from the difference value between the second output (WF2) and the third output (WF3).

In the third step, the weight a may be greater than the weight b.

In the fourth step, the transparent ice heater 505 may operate with the fourth output (WF4). The fourth output (WF4) may be smaller than the third output (WF3).

In the fourth step, the weight a may be greater than the weight b.

The difference between the third output WF3 and the fourth output WF4 may be greater than the difference between the second output WF2 and the third output WF2.

In the fifth step, the transparent ice heater 505 may operate with the fifth output (WF5). The fifth output (WF5) may be smaller than the fourth output (WF4).

In the fifth step, the weight b may be equal to or greater than the weight a.

The difference between the third output (WF3) and the fourth output (WF4) may be greater than the difference between the fourth output (WF4) and the fifth output (WF5).

In the sixth step, the transparent ice heater 505 may operate with the sixth output (WF6). The sixth output (WF6) may be smaller than the fifth output (WF5).

In the sixth step, the weight b may be greater than the weight a.

The difference between the fifth output WF5 and the sixth output WF6 may be greater than the difference between the fourth output WF5 and the fifth output WF5.

In the seventh step, the transparent ice heater 505 may operate at the seventh output WL7. The seventh output (WL7) may be smaller than the sixth output (WF6).

The difference between the fifth output WF5 and the sixth output WF6 may be greater than the difference between the sixth output WF6 and the sixth output WF6.

The seventh output (WF7) may be more than 1/2 of the first output (WF1).

The output of the transparent ice heater 505 may be gradually reduced from the initial output. Accordingly, the first output WF1 may be the maximum output.

At this time, the output reduction slope of the transparent ice heater 505 may be varied.

Alternatively, the output reduction slope of the transparent ice heater 505 may be initially maintained constant and then changed. The final output line may include a section in which the output reduction slope increases. The final output line may include a section in which the output reduction slope decreases.

To summarize the final output line, the final output line is a line that represents the output of the transparent ice heater to increase transparency and increase the ice-making speed.

When the ice-making process is divided into an early ice-making section and a late-ice making section, the final output line may be located close to the first parabola in the first half of the ice-making section. In the latter half of the ice-making section, the final output line may be located close to the second parabola.

The final output line may be determined from the perspective of increasing transparency in the first half of the ice-making section, and may be determined from the perspective of increasing the ice-making speed in the latter half of the ice-making section.

Accordingly, the ice-making time can be shortened in the entire ice-making section, which has the advantage of increasing the daily ice-making amount.

If the output of the clear ice heater is reduced in the latter half of the ice making section, there is an advantage in that power consumption due to the operation of the clear ice heater can be reduced.

When the 7th step is completed or the volume (or mass) of the remaining water relative to the volume (or mass) of the entire ice-making cell falls below the reference value while any one of the 1st to 7th steps is being performed, the current step is terminated and the 8th step Steps can be performed.

The reference value may be determined based on the volume (or mass) of the entire ice-making cell and the volume (or mass) of remaining water from the bottom of the ice-making cell to the portion where the transparent ice heater 505 is located.

When the eighth step is performed after the seventh step is completed, the output of the clear ice heater 505 in the eighth step may be equal to or smaller than the output of the clear ice heater 505 in the seventh step. . Alternatively, in the eighth step, the transparent ice heater 505 may be turned off.

The eighth step may be completed when the temperature detected by the tray temperature sensor 410 reaches the ice-making completion reference temperature. In other words, the eighth step can be called the determination step whether ice making is complete.

When it is determined that ice making is complete, the control unit 1000 may turn off the transparent ice heater 505 (S9).

For example, when the control unit 1000 determines that the temperature detected by the tray temperature sensor 410 has reached the ice-making completion reference temperature, the control unit 1000 may determine that ice-making is complete and turn off the clear ice heater 505. there is.

Alternatively, if the transparent ice heater 505 is turned off in step 8, step S9 may be omitted. At this time, the control unit 1000 may determine that ice making is complete when it is determined that the temperature detected by the tray temperature sensor 410 has reached the ice making completion reference temperature.

When ice making is completed, the control unit 1000 operates one or more of the moving heater 503 and the transparent ice heater 505 to move ice (S10).

When one or more of the moving heater 503 and the transparent ice heater 505 are turned on, the heat of the heater is transferred to one or more of the first tray 510 and the second tray 550, so that the ice is transferred to the It may be separated from one or more surfaces (inner surfaces) of the first tray 510 and the second tray 550.

The heat from the heaters 503 and 505 is transferred to the contact surfaces of the first tray 510 and the second tray 550, so that the contact surfaces of the first tray 510 and the second tray 550 are separable. It becomes a state.

When the operation start condition of the driver 580 is satisfied, the control unit 1000 operates the driver 580 so that the second tray 550 moves to the moving position (moves in the forward direction) ( S11).

When the second tray 550 moves in the forward direction, the second tray 550 is spaced apart from the first tray 510.

The moving force of the second tray 550 is transmitted to the first pusher 540. Then, the first pusher 540 descends, and the pushing bar 544 penetrates the opening 514 to pressurize the ice in the ice-making cell 501.

In the process of moving the second tray 550 to the moving position, the second tray 550 may contact the pushing bar 592.

When the second tray 550 continues to move to the moving position, the pushing bar 592 presses the second tray 550, so that the second tray 550 is deformed, and the pushing bar (550) The pressing force of 592) is transmitted to the ice so that the ice may be separated from the surface of the second tray 550.

The control unit 1000 may determine whether the heater operation termination condition is satisfied.

For example, the control unit 1000 may determine that the heater operation termination condition is satisfied when the operating time of the driving unit 580 reaches the reference time or the temperature detected by the sensor 410 exceeds the termination reference temperature. there is.

When the operation termination condition of the heater is satisfied, the control unit 1000 can turn off the turned-on heater. Although not limited, the end reference temperature may be set to the temperature of the image.

After the ice is separated from the second tray 550, the control unit 1000 controls the driving unit 480 to move the second tray 550 in the reverse direction (S12).

Then, the second tray 550 moves from the moving position toward the water supply position. When the second tray 550 moves to the water supply position in FIG. 22, the control unit 1000 stops the driving unit 580.

Figure 17 is a diagram showing the output line of a transparent ice heater according to another embodiment.

This embodiment is the same as the previous embodiment in other respects, but there is a difference in the output control of the transparent ice heater. Therefore, hereinafter, only the characteristic parts of this embodiment will be described.

Referring to FIG. 17, during the ice making process, the transparent ice heater 505 may be controlled in multiple steps.

In this embodiment, the output line of the heater may be a simplified output line of the final output line in FIG. 16. According to the output line of this embodiment, the number of output variables of the transparent ice heater can be reduced compared to the previous embodiment, which has the advantage of simplifying control.

For example, the multiple steps may include a first step, a second step, and a third step.

In the first step, the transparent ice heater 505 may operate with the first output W11. The first step may be performed for a first reference time.

In the second step, the transparent ice heater 505 may operate with the second output W12. The second step may be performed for a second reference time. The second reference time may be the same as the first reference time.

The second output (W12) may be smaller than the first output (W11).

In the third step, the transparent ice heater 505 may operate with the third output W13. The third step may be performed for a third reference time. The third reference time may be greater than the first and second reference times.

The third output (W13) may be smaller than the second output (W12).

The difference between the second output W12 and the third output W13 may be greater than the difference between the first output W11 and the second output W12.

The third output (W13) may be 1/2 or more of the first output (W11).

As another example, in the first step, the output of the transparent ice heater 505 may be varied. In the first step, the representative output of the transparent ice heater 505 may be the first output W11.

In the second step, the output of the transparent ice heater 505 may be varied. In the second step, the representative output of the transparent ice heater 505 may be the second output W12.

The second output (W12) may be smaller than the first output (W11).

In the third step, the output of the transparent ice heater 505 may be varied. In the third step, the representative output of the transparent ice heater 505 may be the third output W13.

The third output (W13) may be smaller than the second output (W12).

The representative output is the average output at each stage, the maximum or minimum value of the output at each stage, the value between the maximum and minimum output values at each stage, or the average value of the maximum and minimum output values at each stage ( It may be an intermediate value), or it may be the initial or end value of the output at each stage.

In this embodiment, as the ice-making process progresses, the output of the transparent ice heater 505 may be gradually reduced. The output reduction slope of the transparent ice heater 505 may be increased.

According to this embodiment, transparency can be increased in the initial ice-making section and the ice-making speed can be increased in the late ice-making section.

Figure 18 is a diagram showing the output line of a transparent ice heater according to another embodiment.

This embodiment is the same as the previous embodiment in other respects, but there is a difference in the shape of the final output line described in FIG. 16. Therefore, hereinafter, only the characteristic parts of this embodiment will be described.

Referring to FIG. 18, control of the transparent ice heater 505 during the ice making process may be divided into multiple steps.

In the first step, the transparent ice heater 505 may operate with the first output W21. The first step may be terminated when the ratio of the volume (or mass) of ice to the total volume (or mass) of the ice-making cell reaches a reference value.

When the first step is completed, the second step can be performed. In the second step, the output of the transparent ice heater 505 can be controlled to follow the final output line located between the first parabola and the second parabola.

After the second step, the output at each step on the final output line may be determined by (output on the first parabola x weight a) + (output on the second parabola x weight b).

The sum of the weight a and the weight b is 1.

The weight a and weight b for each stage may be variable.

At this time, the weight a and weight b for each stage may be predetermined values.

In the second step, the transparent ice heater 505 may operate with the second output W22.

The second output (W22) may be greater than the first output (W21).

The first output W21 may be an average value of the output of the first parabola in the second step and the output of the second parabola in the second step.

In the second step, the weight a may be greater than the weight b. Although not limited, the weight a in the second step may be 1.

At this time, the time for performing the first step may be longer than the time for performing the second step.

In the third step, the transparent ice heater 505 may operate with the third output W23.

The third output (W23) may be smaller than the second output (W22).

In the third step, the weight a may be greater than the weight b.

In the fourth step, the transparent ice heater 505 may operate with the fourth output W24. The fourth output (W24) may be smaller than the third output (W23).

The difference between the third output W23 and the fourth output W24 may be greater than the difference between the second output W22 and the second output W22.

In the fourth step, the weight a may be the same as or similar to the weight b.

In the fifth step, the transparent ice heater 505 may operate with the fifth output W25. The fifth output (W25) may be smaller than the fourth output (W24).

The fifth output (W25) may be smaller than the first output (W21). That is, the end output of the transparent ice heater 505 may be smaller than the initial output.

The difference between the fourth output W24 and the fifth output W25 may be the same as or different from the difference between the third output W23 and the fourth output W24.

In the fifth step, the weight b may be greater than the weight a.

In the case of this embodiment, the output line of the transparent ice heater 506 may include a section where output is increased. The output line of the transparent ice heater 506 may include a section where output is maintained. The output line of the transparent ice heater 506 may include a section where output is reduced.

The section in which the output is reduced may include a section in which the output reduction slope is maintained constant. The section in which the output decreases may include a section in which the slope of the output decrease increases.

Claims (18)

Cabinets forming storage rooms;
a door that opens and closes the storage compartment;
a tray provided in the door or storage compartment and including an ice-making cell that produces ice;
a heater for supplying heat to the ice-making cell; and
It includes a control unit that controls the heater,
During the ice making process,
The control unit controls the heating amount of the heater by dividing it into a plurality of stages,
A refrigerator that controls the heating amount of the heater to be gradually reduced. According to claim 1,
A refrigerator in which the decreasing slope of the heating amount of the heater is maintained constant in some sections of the entire ice-making section. According to claim 1,
A refrigerator in which the decreasing slope of the heating amount of the heater is reduced in some sections of the entire ice-making section. According to claim 1,
A refrigerator in which the decreasing slope of the heating amount of the heater increases in some sections of the entire ice-making section. According to claim 1,
A refrigerator in which a reduction slope of the heating amount of the heater in the first half of ice making is smaller than a decline slope of the heating amount of the heater in the second half of ice making. According to claim 1,
A refrigerator in which the heating amount of the heater in the last step among the plurality of steps is more than half of the heating amount of the heater in the first step, which is the initial step among the plurality of steps. According to claim 1,
Further comprising an ice-making completion determination step that may be performed after the last step of the plurality of steps,
A refrigerator in which the heating amount of the heater in the ice making completion determination step is equal to or smaller than the heating amount of the heater in the Majidak step. According to claim 7,
A refrigerator in which the Majidak step is terminated when performed for a certain period of time or when the amount of water in the ice-making cell falls below a standard amount before the predetermined period of time has elapsed. According to claim 7,
A refrigerator in which, if the amount of water in the ice-making cell falls below a standard amount while any one of the plurality of steps is being performed, the one step is terminated and the ice-making completion determination step is performed. According to claim 7,
The refrigerator determines that ice making is complete when the control unit determines that the temperature of the ice making cell has reached the ice making completion reference temperature. According to claim 1,
The plurality of steps includes a first step performed for a first reference time,
a second step performed for a second reference time after the first step;
a third step performed for a third reference time after the second step,
The third reference time is greater than the first reference time and the second reference time. According to claim 11,
The difference between the heating amount of the heater in the second step and the heating amount of the heater in the third step is
A refrigerator in which the difference between the heating amount of the heater in the first step and the heating amount of the heater in the second step is greater than the difference value. Cabinets forming storage rooms;
a door that opens and closes the storage compartment;
a tray provided in the door or storage compartment and including an ice-making cell that produces ice;
a heater for supplying heat to the ice-making cell; and
It includes a control unit that controls the heater,
The control unit controls the heating amount of the heater by dividing it into a plurality of stages,
The control unit causes the heater to operate at a first heating amount in a first step among a plurality of steps,
In the second step after the first step, the heater is operated with a second heating amount greater than the first heating amount,
A refrigerator that controls the heater so that the heating amount of the heater decreases as steps after the second step are performed. According to claim 13,
A refrigerator in which the time for performing the first step is greater than the time for performing the second step. According to claim 13,
The first step is terminated when the volume or mass ratio of ice in the total volume or mass of the ice-making cell reaches a reference value. According to claim 13,
A refrigerator in which the heating amount of the heater in the last step among the plurality of steps is smaller than the heating amount of the heater in the first step. According to claim 13,
The section in which the heating amount of the heater is reduced includes a section in which the slope of the decrease in the heating amount of the heater is maintained constant. According to claim 13,
The section in which the heating amount of the heater decreases includes a section in which the slope of the decrease in the heating amount of the heater increases.

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